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Established Camping

Cookson Bend

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Cookson Bend is located near Tenkiller Ferry Lake, offering a landscape of rolling hills and dense forests. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs in the 90s in summer. Nearby attractions include Tenkiller State Park and the Illinois River, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.

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Location

Cookson Bend is located in Oklahoma

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Tahlequah, OK go 17.5 miles southeast on Highway 82. Look for sings for Tenkiller and turn right, then go two miles west on the paved access road.

Address

446977 EAST 980 ROAD
Gore, OK 74435-9547

Coordinates

35.7066667 N
94.96 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2021

Water water everywhere

Cookson Bend Campground is a popular area that lies on Tenkiller Ferry Lake, among the Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains. Visitors here delight in breathtaking views of 200-foot limestone bluffs rising from the scenic waters. 

Open All year Peak season Apr 1- Sep 30 Reservations welcome 

Off peak Oct 1– Mar 30 FCFS Electric sites $19.00 Non electric $14.00 

Ten only non electric $14.00 Group shelter $50.00 You will find sites with electric and sites without. 

There are hot showers, water, playground, swimming beach, dump station, fishing dock, boat ramps, flush toilets. The sites are older and consist of gravel and grass but the grass is well maintained. Beautiful water sites make the visit worthwhile. There are lot of trash dumpster scattered throughout the park. Most sites are nicely shaded. There is a marina next to the campground with the ability to purchase needed items, rent boats, etc. 

Tenkiller Ferry Lake has waters that are clean and clear from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. It is located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and it is covered in oak, and hickory forest. There are tall bluffs and gently rolling hills. The lake has 12,500 acres of surface water which make it the perfect getaway. 

Check-out time: 3:00 pm. Check-in time: 6:00 pm. Quiet hours: 10:00 pm- 6:00 am. Entrance gates will be closed during this time. Grey water and sewage must be properly disposed of in the provided dump station receptacle. Trash must be placed in the provided dumpsters. Pets must remain restrained on a leash or penned at all times. Pets are not allowed on swim beaches or in bathrooms.

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Group shelters are day use only. Limit 3 tents, or 1 wheeled camper and 2 tents per camp pad. Fireworks are prohibited.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Cookson Bend by N I., September 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Cookson Bend by N I., September 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Cookson Bend by N I., September 30, 2021
  • (19) View All
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Lake Front Camping

This is a lakeside campground with 2 primary sections terraced so that most campsites have at least a partial lake view. All sites are water/electric with sites 51 thru 57 offering 50 amp and the remaining sites 30 amp. Some of the 30 amp sites share water connections. There are 2 boat ramps and a playground. The dump station is just outside the gate and is in good working order. Cookson Bend has the potential to be a beautiful campground but lacks facility and grounds maintenance. Unfortunately, this is well below the COE's typical standards.

Site51
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cookson Bend by Randy , June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Cookson Bend by Randy , June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Cookson Bend by Randy , June 29, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018

Beautiful lake

Fishing galore, swimming area boat launch. Very safe and secure

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cookson Bend Campground?

Cookson Bend Campground offers water and electric hookups at all campsites, with sites 51-57 providing 50 amp service and the remaining sites offering 30 amp. The campground features two boat ramps for easy lake access. Some 30 amp sites share water connections. The campground is terraced, allowing most sites to enjoy at least partial views of Tenkiller Ferry Lake. Camping facilities are open year-round, with April 1 through September 30 considered peak season. Reservations are accepted, making it easier to secure your preferred site in advance.

Are there photos of Cookson Bend Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Cookson Bend Campground are available online. You can find images on the official Army Corps of Engineers website, which manages the facility, or on camping platforms like The Dyrt. These photos typically showcase the campground's terraced layout, lakeside views, camping areas, and the stunning 200-foot limestone bluffs surrounding Tenkiller Ferry Lake. Viewing these images before your visit can help you select a suitable campsite and better plan your stay. Contact the campground directly for the most current and comprehensive collection of official photos.

What recreational activities are available at Cookson Bend Resort and surrounding area?

Cookson Bend offers abundant recreational opportunities centered around Tenkiller Ferry Lake. Fishing is excellent with plenty of opportunity to catch various species. The campground features a designated swimming area for cooling off during hot weather. With two boat ramps, water activities like boating, kayaking, and water sports are easily accessible. The surrounding Cookson Hills and Ozark Mountains provide a scenic backdrop perfect for nature photography, wildlife viewing, and hiking. The area's natural beauty, including the impressive 200-foot limestone bluffs rising from the water, creates a picturesque setting for outdoor enjoyment year-round.

Where is Cookson Bend Public Use Area located and how do I get there?

Cookson Bend Public Use Area is located on Tenkiller Ferry Lake in the scenic Cookson Hills of the Ozark Mountains. The campground is situated among breathtaking views of 200-foot limestone bluffs that rise dramatically from the lake waters. The area is accessible by road and provides a beautiful lakeside setting. For specific driving directions, it's recommended to check with the campground management or use a navigation app with the campground's address. The well-maintained access roads lead to this popular recreation destination.